Thank you to everyone, more than 200 of you, who took part in the Q&A for staff last week.
Obviously, during what is an unprecedented and challenging situation, the situation is constantly changing so we need to keep all staff up to date with the latest situation. To do this, we need to come up with new ways of communicating.
Today, we’re providing a FAQs from HR, outlining the situation on things such as home working, redeployment, annual leave, absence due to Covid-19, and a whole lot else that you might be wondering or worried about.
We’re also flagging up information that staff can access from home if you don’t have access to Council email: https://www.dumgal.gov.uk/staff-briefings
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Frequently Asked Questions – COVID-19
As the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) outbreak continues to spread, the Council is doing everything possible to keep employees and service users safe, follow UK and Scottish Government advice in relation to limiting the spread of COVID-19 and delivering essential services to the people of Dumfries and Galloway. The attached Frequently Asked Question’s (which replace the FAQ’s dated 2 April 2020) are designed to help Local Government employees understand the national COVID-19 advice and how this may impact on employment.
The advice and information will be updated frequently over an extended period and it is important that you keep yourself up to date. Attached to this briefing are updated FAQ’s to help managers and staff to make decisions in relation to their work.
The updates are to Q5 and Q7 re casual workers and entitlement to payment/compensation payment and also carry over of annual leave at Q36.
 Personal Protective Equipment
Our Council is receiving requests for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) from Community Resilience Groups across our region.
Demand for PPE continues to outstrip supply, this is a national issue and supplies are being prioritised in accordance with national guidance and given to our NHS frontline and Health Care Workers. Community Resilience Groups are providing valuable lifeline services within our communities and should be able to continue to provide these services safely by following the Government Guidance in relation to social distancing and hand-hygiene and without the need for PPE. Should you feel that you are unable to provide the necessary support being requested in your community without being able to adhere to the Government Guidance you should not provide this support and you should make a referral to SupportDG@dumgal.gov.uk
 What is social distancing?
Social distancing measures are steps you can take to reduce social interaction between people. This will help reduce the transmission of coronavirus (COVID-19).
They are to:
- Avoid contact with someone who is displaying symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19). These symptoms include high temperature and/or new and continuous cough
- Avoid non-essential use of public transport when possible
- Work from home, where possible. Your employer should support you to do this. Please refer to employer guidance for more information
- Avoid large and small gatherings in public spaces, noting that pubs, restaurants, leisure centres and similar venues are currently shut as infections spread easily in closed spaces where people gather together.
- Avoid gatherings with friends and family. Keep in touch using remote technology such as phone, internet, and social media
- Use telephone or online services to contact your GP or other essential services
Everyone should be trying to follow these measures as much as is practicable.
We strongly advise you to follow the above measures as much as you can and to significantly limit your face-to-face interaction with friends and family if possible, particularly if you:
- are over 70
- have an underlying health condition
- are pregnant
 Domestic Abuse during COVID-19
The safety and well-being of women and children who are at risk of experiencing violence during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak is being supported with funds for key organisations.
Additional funding has been allocated to Scottish Women’s Aid and Rape Crisis Scotland to ensure that access to these key support services is maintained and victims still have access to methods of reporting crimes during the crisis, including using online video platforms, text messaging and phone calls.
Scotland’s 24hr Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline, t: 0800 027 1234
Rape Crisis Scotland Helpline, t: 08088 01 03 02 or e: support@rapecrisisscotland.org.uk or text 07537 410027
The Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Act 2018, which came into force on 1 April 2019, reflects the full spectrum of abuse that victims may suffer, providing police and prosecutors with greater powers to target those who engage in coercive or controlling behaviour towards their partners or ex-partners. For more info on the law see: https://safer.scot/
Bereavement Policy
Dumfries and Galloway Council (the Council) recognises that there may be times when employees require time off during the bereavement of a dependent.
This policy provides a framework for how managers deal with situations that arise within the workplace and outlines the terms of any leave and/or support available for staff.
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